THERE are still a few tickets left for an open-air production of one of Shakespeare s comedies in Ely on Sunday. One of the leading roles is being played by Nick Huntington, actor-in-residence at the King s School Ely. Nick, 27, has taken leave from his t

THERE are still a few tickets left for an open-air production of one of Shakespeare's comedies in Ely on Sunday. One of the leading roles is being played by Nick Huntington, actor-in-residence at the King's School Ely.

Nick, 27, has taken leave from his teaching job at the King's School to join Britain's premier all-male theatre company, The Lord Chamberlain's Men, who are touring the country until September with their production of Much Ado About Nothing. Nick plays Beatrice.

The company stages Shakespeare as it would have been staged in the 16th century - with men taking all the female roles.

The audience is encouraged to bring along picnics, deckchairs, and a glass of something chilled, and the production promises to be as original and entertaining as last year's critically acclaimed Romeo & Juliet.

Mark Puddle, the company's founder and creative director, says the show will prove more than popular with audiences.

"During last season's tour we asked the audiences at every venue which show they would like to see the company produce in 2008. By far and away the peoples' favourite was Much Ado About Nothing. It's the perfect summer comedy and the company are very excited about the show. It's wonderfully entertaining, one of Shakespeare's finest."

Much Ado About Nothing has recently been performed to great acclaim in London's West End by both the National Theatre and Royal Shakespeare Company. The Lord Chamberlain's Men will continue its popularity by bringing the show to some of the most beautiful open-air venues in the country, offering audiences outside the capital the perfect opportunity to see Shakespeare performed to the very highest standards, in the way the Bard first envisioned them...with an all-male cast!

Much Ado About Nothing is being staged at the King's School on Sunday. Arrive at 6.30pm and you will be able to see the actors applying their make-up, getting into costume and you may even encounter the odd wandering minstrel before the performance begins at 7.30pm.

INFO: boxoffice@kings-ely.cambs.sch.uk or telephone 01353 653931 for tickets which are £12.50 for adults (£10 concessions).

Pic Cap: Nick Huntingdon (left) plays Beatrice.

Photo: SUPPLIED.